solar central heating??

oz133

hi just wondering whether anyone has any experience in solar central heating??
some links and opinions would be great

ukwoody

Umm, I've done a little bit of roof re-inforcing for a solar company. From what I can gather the possible saving will take ruddy years to really pay for them selves, but they can be made. If you are really into cutting your carbon footprint it obviously helps and from I was told, that is the reason many people go for it. I'm also told modern units are far more efficient than those of yesteryear - but it still helps if you live in the warmer sunny southwest.

Just what I've gleaned. I think it is really down to your own personal wishhes and desire more than money saving.

woody

maninthestreet

I wasn't aware there was such as thing as solar central heating systems in this country. Solar heated hot water for washing, etc is though.

GromitFan

Maybe the op is talking about Solar PV that are connected to the grid and then using electric for central heating, whether it be a wet system or otherwise.

We are about to move house and the house we are moving to needs most things done, so when we get round to the heating we are thinking of putting in electric underfloor heating (mat type, not a wet system) and through time putting in Solar PV. Sure at current prices the payback time is years if at all, but the way prices are going, things may be looked at differently in 5-10 years time.

Also, not sure as to the feasability of just heating the water for a central heating system as opposed to using Solar PV connected to the grid. Surely, on the days you generate most those would be warm, sunny days when you are less likely to need heating and so you'd be better converting the energy to electric to power things (or even sell back to your electric company if you have a surplus).

We haven't yet looked into things in great detail, but have started looking online, so you could check out these weblinks:
http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/generate_your_own_energy/how_renewable_energy_works
http://www.solar-power-answers.co.uk/solar_power_links.php
http://www.rayotec.com/

HTH.

Maybe also try the Green and Ethical Moneysaving board?

robv_3

The biggest problem is when you need the heating there is not enough Sun rays to heat the water, eg at night or during short winter months. You can get around this by having a extremely highly insulated house, storing huge quantities of water which is heated during the day and a large number of panels.